The Sliding Fifth-Wheel Operation and Benefits Module also including - using

the ‘Stop-Gap Location System’

(Left click to advance)

These are only a selection of slides taken from the ‘Safe Operation of the Sliding Fifth-wheel and Benefits’ drivers’ CPC module. A tutor brief is included in the full module to encourage group discussions. To view some slides, left click when advised, otherwise it automatically advances.

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Objectives

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By the end of this session you will be able to:

Recite some of the problems regarding the use of the S F/W.

Name and identify the working parts of the S F/W and accessories.

Demonstrate the current methods of re-positioning the S F/W to suit the trailer kingpin distance.

Safely position the S F/W to suit the trailer kingpin using the ‘STOP GAP SYSTEM’.

Explain the benefits of using the system.

(Left click to advance)

Proven Data

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The technical data regarding fuel savings has been proven by Huddersfield University who were third party agents on behalf of the Department for Transport on one of their fuel savings programmes.

More recently (September 2009), Commercial Motor using an Iveco vehicle conducted independent tests at Millbrook test track. The results can be viewed at:

http://www.stop-gapcoupling.com/Docs/fuelsavinggap.pdf

(Left click to advance)

Current Methods of Re-positioning

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Trai

ler

legs

/ bo

dyw

ork

4 inch tolerance

Zero Datum

You must also consider the front corner of the trailer and the rear of the unit when at 45º. So once you’ve manoeuvred the combination to about 45º get out and check the clearance gap as shown. (Left click to advance)

(Left click to advance)© Jim Thomson International PCT

Number PCT/GB2008/050363

5(Left click to advance)

Fuel EfficiencyFACT! FOR EVERY 2 INCHES (5 CM) THAT THE CAB-GAP IS REDUCED THERE IS AN APPROXIMATE FUEL SAVING OF 1%

Current Methods of Re-positioning

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Disadvantages of current methods:

1.Too time consuming2.There’s a higher risk of causing damage to the equipment3.A greater risk of personal injury4.Increased wear and tear to the vehicle5.Increased fuel usage6.It is not completely accurate

(Left click to advance)

© Jim Thomson International PCT Number PCT/GB2008/050363

The Sliding Fifth-Wheel

7(Left click to advance)© Jim Thomson International PCT Number PCT/GB2008/050363

1.6 M (63¨ inch) kingpin

1.6 M (63¨)

.9 M (36¨ inch) kingpin

0.9 M (36¨)67cms or 26¨

(Left click to advance)

1.6 M (63¨ inch) kingpin

.9 M (36¨ inch) kingpin

The SFW is moved forward to accommodate a shorter pin length of 0·9 m and to close the gap as much as possible for fuel efficiency

If it remained in the ‘forward’ position and a 1·6 m pin length trailer was picked up, the trailer would collide with the tractor. So it is recommended that the SFW is returned to the ‘back’ position each time when uncoupling to prevent damage during the coupling-up procedure and then moved forward if necessary to the working position.

Two-positioned Fifth-Wheel

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(Left click to advance)© Jim Thomson International PCT

Number PCT/GB2008/050363

FB

In the case of a two-positioned fifth-wheel the ‘forward’ position is the ONLY working position – usually for a 1·6 m length kingpin and the ‘back’ position is for uncoupling / coupling-uponly

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Sliding Fifth-Wheel with Stop Gap location system

Left click to advance

Slider with increments which the locking pins go in to.

S F/W Locking pins and handle mechanismKingpin locking

handle

F/W centreline pointer

Stop-Gap F/W location rails with contact markers from rear of cab and rear of lights

© Jim Thomson International PCT Number PCT/GB2008/050363

Lead ramps

26¨ inch (67 CM) sliding movement

Stop-Gap Location Parts

THIS SPACE IS KNOWN AS ‘THE CAB GAP’.

THIS SPACE IS KNOWN AS ‘THE TRAILER GAP’.

175 209

The trailer kingpin depth and the sliding fifth-wheel location is the deciding factor as to whether or not any coupling-up can be accomplished. They hold the CRUCIAL dimensions – ‘THE TRAILER GAP’ and ‘THE CAB GAP’! The trailer has two figures on the dimension plate.

(Left click to advance)© Jim Thomson International PCT

Number PCT/GB2008/050363

THE TRAILER PLATE

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(Left click to advance) © Jim Thomson International PCT Number PCT/GB2008/050363

11

209TRAILERGAP

CAB GAP

TECHNICIAN ID - - -

© STOP-GAP ™ TRAILER DIMENSION PLATE

TRAILER ID - - - - - - - - - - -

175

The trailer dimension plate figures are then transferred onto the location rails on the tractor chassis using the left-side of the contact markers.

The locking pin is not quite lining up. It is too short of a clean location and so this means driving the tractor forward slightly moving the S F/W away from the tractor shell until the pins lock-in to their next available position.

TRAILER TRACTOR

The locking pin has locked-in but slightly further away from the tractor due to a suitable increment not being available

(Left click to lock pins into location)

The slider locking handle is then released to lock-in the pins or in the case of an air-assisted locking device the button in the cab is then activated to lock the pins into one of the slider increments.

The Fifth-Wheel is held stationary by the trailer handbrake and (if being used), chocked wheels so any adjustment is done by moving the tractor

(Left click to advance)

TRACTORTRACTOR

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The Benefits

13 © Jim Thomson International PCT Number PCT/GB2008/050363

(Left click to advance)

The device removes any element of doubt when coupling by visually showing the driver the best place for the trailer in terms of safe clearance and, as an added benefit, the best trailer gap for optimum fuel economy.

It is simple to use.It cuts right down on time to complete

optimum position and is completely accurate.Less wear and tear on the vehicle.Reduces fuel being used.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

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If you require further information or facts and figures on the Stop Gap Location System please see website:

http://www.stopgapsystems.com or if you require a copy of the FULL ‘Safe Operation of the Sliding Fifth-Wheel and Benefits’ module with tutor notes, timetable and evaluation forms then please contact Jim Thomson on + 44 (0) 7740 822300

(Left click to finish)